New Ulm, Minn. – The Macalester College women's basketball team opened their 2021-22 winter campaign with a loss in a non-conference game against Martin Luther, 64-51, on Friday night.
 
The Scots started strong with a 6-2 run, with first year guard/forward Katherine Norquist (Chicago, Ill./Walter Payton College Prep), junior forward Emma Lafrenz (Edina, Minn./Edina), and senior Celine Sabbagh (Eau Claire, Wis./Regis) each scoring two apiece. However, the Knights came back with a 13-4 run to end the first quarter with a 15-10 lead over the Scots. To begin the second quarter, the Knights used a 21-5 run to extend their lead to 36-15. However, the Scots continued to fight and earned the last six points of the half, all coming from first year guard/forward Peyton Starks (St. Louis, MO./John Burroughs School), cutting the Knights lead to 18 points.
 
The Scots continued their momentum into a competitive third quarter. The Scots were able to get within 13, 32-45 with 4:35 on the clock, off a three-pointer from junior guard Solana Cushing (Minneapolis, Minn./South). Yet the Knights were able to push its lead to as much as 20 in the quarter.
 
Macalester continued to press in the fourth quarter and went on a 10-0 run with just under three minutes to play, including four points apiece from Sabbagh and Starks, bringing the Scots within nine, 51-60, with 0:36 remaining in the game. The Knights would go on to get four more points, leaving the final score 64-51 in favor of the Knights. The Scots made 22-of-64 from field goal range.
 
Starks started off her career as a Scot strong, leading the team with 14 points on the night. Sabbagh also put out a dynamic performance with 12 points and leading the team in rebounds (11), assists (6), and steals (3).
 
Macalester returns to action on Tuesday, Nov. 16, where the Scots will host Northland College in a non-conference game for their home opener. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the Leonard Center.